Oregon correctional staff demand support for House Bill 3363 amid staffing crisis

The House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards convened on February 17, 2025, to address critical issues facing correctional staff in Oregon. The meeting featured testimonies from correctional officers and mental health professionals, highlighting significant concerns regarding working conditions, staffing shortages, and the impact on employee well-being.

Kate Oldfield, a correctional counselor and president of the local AFSCME union, opened the discussion by sharing her personal experiences and the challenges faced by staff at the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC). Oldfield emphasized the unsafe working conditions and the emotional toll on employees, particularly regarding mandatory overtime and insufficient mental health support. She pointed out that the current staffing levels are inadequate, with many positions unfilled, leading to increased stress and risk for both staff and incarcerated individuals. Oldfield urged the committee to support House Bill 3,363, which aims to improve conditions for correctional staff.

Following Oldfield, Donald Carlisle, a correctional officer at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution, provided further insight into the staffing crisis. He reported that excessive mandatory overtime has become a norm, with hundreds of open positions leading to overextended staff. Carlisle recounted personal stories of colleagues facing disciplinary actions for refusing overtime due to family obligations, illustrating the strain on work-life balance. He called for legislative support to address these staffing issues and to ensure that overtime hours are counted towards retirement benefits.

The committee members acknowledged the testimonies, with some expressing gratitude for the courage shown by the speakers. However, concerns were raised about the broader implications of staffing shortages and whether proposed legislative measures would effectively resolve the underlying issues.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue on improving conditions for correctional staff, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to ensure safety and well-being in Oregon's correctional facilities. The committee plans to review the testimonies and consider the proposed legislation in future sessions.